A record-breaking $22.6 million for student financial aid scholarships during the fiscal year that ended June 30 helped make last year the third consecutive record fund raising year for Iowa State.

Receipts and commitments also increased to more than $124 million, up from $103 million last year and $100 million the previous year.

The number of donors rose to 52,083, passing the 50,000 mark for the first time.

Tom Mitchell, president of the ISU Foundation, said the success is a result of efforts by alumni and friends including volunteers, university administration and staff.

“I think it’s a further level of confidence that our alumni and friends have in the direction the university is moving and its leadership,” he said.

Mitchell said the 6.8 percent increase from last year’s fund raising for scholarships was an “overwhelming response.”

“I think [the donors] really enjoy hearing about student’s educational goals and dreams and aspirations, and in turn, they realize that not all students are in a position to afford [college], and if they are in a position to help, they generally do,” Mitchell said.

Earl Dowling, director of the student financial aid office, said donated money is spent in accordance with the donors’ wishes and usually “covers a wide range of student interest and needs and donor interest and needs.”

He said an increase in scholarship money also helps the university recruit and retain students.

“Current students have already received the moneys, and future students will be knowing that, should they meet the requirements, they have an avenue to [receive financial assistance],” Dowling said.

Mitchell said student financial aid and scholarships should increase in numbers as well as amount per scholarship.

However, the money may not all be given out at once.

“Some moneys come in immediately, and some are deferred across greater lengths of time,” Dowling said. “Of course, I’m excited about spending the money, and look forward to doing it … our goal is to spend all the money.”

Mitchell said the university has been very fortunate in its fund raising.

“It’s rare that you see the number of donors increase and total number of dollars increase at the same time,” he said.

Mitchell said the ISU Foundation uses a broad-based approach to inform alumni of what is happening at ISU in order to raise funds.

“More and more people are engaged with Iowa State, and they are beginning to learn much more information about the quality of this institution, and it’s very clear that when they receive this information, they are very proud and pleased that their university is ranked as one of the best land-grant universities in the country,” he said. “They want to invest in quality.”

Mitchell said he thinks ISU is alone in this recent increase in fund raising.

“Overall, the foundation’s mission is to secure and manage private gifts and grants which benefit Iowa State,” he said. “I doubt very seriously that other universities are seeing the dramatic growth that we are seeing.”